The roar of twin engines, serrated wings slicing through the sky, and a radar signature that all but disappears into the background—enter the Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon,” Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter.
Designed to compete head-to-head with Western marvels like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, the Su-57 represents the pinnacle of Russian aerospace engineering and a bold declaration of technological ambition. In today’s blog, we take a full-throttle dive into the story, specs, and secrets behind the Su-57—and for diehard aviation fans, we’ll show you how to bring a piece of this stealthy beast to your own shelf.
The Birth of the Su-57: Russia’s Fifth-Gen Fighter Enters the Arena
The Su-57 traces its roots to the 1990s, when Russia launched the PAK FA (Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation) program. After years of delays, test flights, and strategic reshuffling, the aircraft that would be known as the Su-57 took to the skies for the first time on January 29, 2010. Developed by Sukhoi—a name synonymous with Soviet-era air superiority—the Su-57 was envisioned not only as a stealth fighter but as a versatile platform capable of air dominance, precision ground attacks, electronic warfare, and even intelligence gathering.
Codename “Felon”
While Russia calls it the Su-57, NATO has given it the suitably intimidating codename “Felon.” A fitting title for a fighter designed to sneak past radar, strike swiftly, and vanish without a trace.
Design That Defies Detection
The Su-57 is stealthy—but in a different way than its Western rivals. Rather than embracing the all-out stealth of the F-22 or F-35 with sharp-angled fuselages and internal weapon bays alone, the Su-57 blends stealth features with the agility and performance Russia is known for.
Key Stealth Features Include:
- Internal Weapons Bays: Reducing radar cross-section (RCS) by keeping missiles hidden.
- Radar-Absorbent Materials (RAM): Special coatings and materials lower detectability.
- Angular Design: Features like a flat fuselage, blended wing-body layout, and canted tail fins help reduce radar signature.
Infrared Signature Management: Serrated engine nozzles and thermal shielding limit heat detection. Interestingly, the Su-57 is slightly more visible on radar than the F-22 or F-35—but that’s by design. Russia opted for a balanced stealth profile while prioritizing other capabilities like speed, agility, and electronic warfare.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the Su-57 boasts twin engines—initially the Saturn AL-41F1, with future plans to use the more advanced Izdeliye 30. These powerplants enable the Su-57 to reach supersonic speeds without afterburner, known as supercruise.
Performance Highlights:
- Top Speed: Mach 2+
- Range: Over 3,500 km (with drop tanks or aerial refueling)
- Service Ceiling: 20,000 meters (65,600 feet)
Weapons: Includes R-77 and R-74 air-to-air missiles, Kh-38 and Kh-59 guided bombs, and the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile. Plus, the Su-57’s agility is nothing short of breathtaking. Thanks to 3D thrust vectoring, it can execute acrobatic maneuvers like the Pugachev’s Cobra with ease—a crowd favorite at airshows.
Avionics and Situational Awareness
The Su-57’s cockpit features advanced digital instrumentation, a heads-up display (HUD), and a fully glass cockpit similar in layout to Western jets. But the real technological edge lies in its multi-spectral sensor fusion and artificial intelligence-assisted pilot interface.
Key Tech Onboard:
- N036 Byelka AESA Radar: A powerful active electronically scanned array radar with multiple antennae around the aircraft for 360° coverage.
- IRST System: Infrared Search and Track lets the Su-57 detect enemy aircraft without using radar—a huge stealth advantage.
- Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite: Designed to disrupt enemy sensors, jam radar, and even spoof missile tracking systems.
The Combat Debut and Export Potential
Though production has been slow, the Su-57 saw limited deployment in Syria for combat evaluation. While not engaged in full-scale dogfights, it flew missions in contested airspace, giving Russian engineers real-world feedback on its performance.
Operational Status:
As of 2025, fewer than 30 Su-57s are in service with the Russian Air Force, with full production and engine upgrades expected later in the decade. Exports are planned under the Su-75 “Checkmate” platform, though India’s initial involvement in the FGFA program was ultimately withdrawn.
Still, the Su-57 remains a powerful symbol—showcasing Russia’s commitment to keeping pace in the ever-evolving world of air combat.
Su-57 vs. the Competition
How does the Su-57 stack up against its fifth-generation peers? Aircraft Su-57 Felon F-22 Raptor F-35 Lightning II Country Russia United States United States Stealth Level Moderate High Very High Top Speed Mach 2+ Mach 2.25 Mach 1.6 Maneuverability Exceptional Excellent Good Range ~3,500 km ~2,960 km ~2,200 km Weapons Loadout 10 internal/external 8 internal/external 6 internal The Su-57 is arguably more maneuverable than the F-35 and rivals the F-22 in dogfight capabilities, though its stealth and systems integration trail slightly behind. It’s a multi-role performer, built as much for real-world survivability as for show-stopping stunts.
Bring the Felon Home: A Must-Have Model for Aviation Enthusiasts
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a piece of cutting-edge aviation history, here’s your chance. Introducing the 1/72 scale premium diecast model of the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon Stealth Fighter (T-50)—a meticulously crafted collectible perfect for your desktop, display cabinet, or hangar-themed man cave.
Model Features:
- Precision 1/72 scale.
- Durable die-cast metal with minimal plastic.
- Professionally painted in authentic Su-57 livery.
- Includes a sleek metal display stand.
- Detachable landing gear for gear-up or gear-down display.
- Nose-to-tail length: 28cm (11″); wingspan: 20cm (7.75″).
This model isn’t just a toy—it’s a tribute to aerospace artistry, combining form and function in miniature form. Whether you’re an avid model collector, a modern airpower enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates the sleek lines of a next-gen stealth jet, this SU-57 model deserves a spot in your collection.
Final Thoughts: Russia’s Sky-Hunting Predator
The Su-57 might be a latecomer to the fifth-generation fighter party, but it’s no wallflower. With its stunning maneuverability, formidable weapons, and exotic blend of stealth and raw power, the Felon is a force to be reckoned with in future air conflicts. Its real-world impact is still unfolding—but as an icon of modern Russian airpower and an exotic addition to the world’s most elite group of stealth fighters, the Su-57 is here to stay. Looking for a closer encounter? That 1/72 Su-57 diecast model might just be the perfect wingman.